10/22/2026
An Ode to the first dog,
There is something special about the first dog you embark into the world of dogs with.
The first dog you stumble upon buying on a whim, no clue what the dog world even is… and then to title in anything dog related.
The first dog you raise from a puppy.
The first dog you cry so many more days with than you expected.
There is something special about the first fail.
The first time you try and for whatever reason leave in tears.
The first time you feel you weren’t enough, but then you hug your dog overwhelmed with the feeling that YOU are their whole world with eyes staring back into your soul, filling it with joy that they just spent the entire day with you.
The first moments of the getting that first ribbon, medal, trophy - now years later hanging on your wall.
There is something special about the dog you take to your first club, coach, mentor, trainer.
The first dog people probably told you at some point “wouldn’t do xyz”.
The first dog you felt FIRE to succeed with.
The first dog you pushed through the negative & DID all and more with.
There is something so special about watching THAT first dog grow old, get stiff, get grey & just enjoy long walks and snuggles on the couch, enjoying their favorite toys & favorite snacks still years later.
The blessing, the *honor*, the tribute to the dog of your firsts.
This experience many people don’t get, hug your firsts tight, keep the fire when people tell you you can’t and LOVE the first dog - you will spend the rest of your life wanting the firsts again & that dog again.
- Sincerely,
The owner of this once in a lifetime, first time dog. 🖤
(This was written 100% by me and not by AI)
